Both sides agree to seek conciliation
Talks between University of Winnipeg professors and the administration stalled Saturday afternoon, and now both sides are set to request a conciliator from the Manitoba government on Monday morning.
Negotiations to ratify a new collective agreement broke down after university administration rejected the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association’s request for a 8.4 per cent wage increase over three years. The university had previously offered a 3.7 pay raise over three years, in addition to improvements to benefits.
UWFA and the university have agreed to make the request to the province together, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. The university is asking UWFA to delay strike action, though a strike deadline is still set for Wednesday, Mar. 9.
The Free Press reported that UWFA has also requested a negotiator from the Canadian Association of University Teachers to represent them at conciliation. A rally has been organized by the faculty association for Monday afternoon, where faculty members will march to their strike headquarters.